Jack Smith

John Clayton Smith (15 September 1910 – 1986) was a footballer who played 347 league matches for Sheffield United between 1931 and 1949 as a goalkeeper.

He began by playing outfield for Bolsterstone FC, and first played in goal when replacing an injured team-mate. After an excellent performance, he remained as goalkeeper for the rest of the season, attracting the interest of both Sheffield clubs. Smith played for Sheffield United for 19 years, and in the final match of the 1948–49 season – a County Cup match against Barnsley – he was chaired from the field.

This was to have been his last appearance for the Blades, but he was forced out of retirement the following season for two matches due to an injury crisis. His final game was away at Grimsby Town in the Second Division on 24 September 1949, aged 39.

Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals

1930–31 First Division 7 0 0 0 1 0 8 0 1931–32 First Division 21 0 2 0 0 0 23 0 1932–33 First Division 32 0 0 0 0 0 32 0 1933–34 First Division 31 0 1 0 0 0 32 0 1934–35 Second Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1935–36 Second Division 35 0 8 0 2 0 45 0 1936–37 Second Division 42 0 3 0 2 0 47 0 1937–38 Second Division 42 0 3 0 1 0 46 0 1938–39 Second Division 42 0 4 0 2 0 48 0 1945–46

3 0

3 0 1946–47 First Division 42 0 4 0

46 0 1947–48 First Division 27 0 1 0 0 0 28 0 1948–49 First Division 23 0 2 0 1 0 26 0 1949–50 Second Division 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

347 0 31 0 9 0 387 0

Baseball Smith also played baseball for Sheffield Dons in their inaugural season in the semi-professional Yorkshire Baseball League, 1936. He competed successfully with several American and Canadian players. Smith played a number of positions but was most accomplished as keeper of first base. Smith also represented Yorkshire at baseball.

Honours Sheffield United FA Cup runner-up: 1935–36